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30.01.19

Hereford College of Arts BA (Hons) Fine Art Graduate Tottie Aarvold has been included in a shortlist of 21 artists for The Signature Art Prize 2018/19.

Tottie Aarvold is an artist and fine art photographer who focuses on the abstract qualities of the world in paint or through a lens. Her images are of the abandoned and unnoticed, the unusual and random in everyday life.

‘Behind Closed Doors’ was taken by Tottie in an Art Gallery in Lisbon during an HCA international study visit and this shot ensured she was chosen from over 200 entries from top UK and International Art Schools to go up against four other shortlisted artists in the ‘Photography and Film’ category.

The winners in each of the four categories (Painting, Sculpture, Photography & Film, Drawing & Painting) will receive prizes including representation from Artellite, an exhibition in June at Cass Art’s Islington Flagship store and gifts from competition sponsors.

Winners will be announced on Thursday 31 January 2019 at a Gala exhibition in Bankside Hotel. An exhibition showcasing work of all finalists will be held at London City Island’s Trinity Art Gallery from 4 February – 1 March 2019.

Tottie Aarvold, commenting on her nomination, said:

“I’m delighted to be a finalist in the ‘Photography & Film’ category and to have been chosen from so many artists nationally. I loved my time at Hereford College of Arts (7 years including the Portfolio and part-time degree) and gained confidence and a style of my own. The tutors were all very encouraging and inspiring. As a mature student I realised it is never too late to learn and to do what you love.”

Dan Pryde-Jarman, Course Leader for HCA’s BA Fine Art course, said:

“We are very proud to hear of Tottie’s success immediately after graduation, being selected and then shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious and highly competitive Signature Art Prize. Tottie’s degree show work, which focused upon abandoned and overlooked spaces, is full of pathos and intrigue, and the final selected image is fantastically composed. We encourage students and graduates to submit for national prizes and opportunities, and it’s so pleasing to hear of Tottie’s deserved selection and exhibition in London. We wish her the best of luck for the final award!”